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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. How is Hestia's presence described in the Hymns to Hestia?

2. How many hymns are there to Athena?

3. In The Hymn to the Moon, what analogy is made to the moon?

4. How many seeds does Demeter's daughter eat before returning?

5. What does Anchises do after his affair with Aphrodite?

Short Essay Questions

1. How is Athena's birth described in The Hymn to Athena?

2. How are Persephone and Demeter reunited and what are the conditions of Persephone's return?

3. What is the explanation of the seasons according to the myths?

4. What metaphor is used to describe the moon in The Hymn to the Moon?

5. What happens to Demeter's daughter and how does Demeter initially respond?

6. Which lesson does The Hymn to Hephaistos illustrate?

7. How many hymns are written about Hestia and what is she praised for?

8. Who are the Muses and what influence do they have?

9. What is Aphrodite known for, and which three goddesses cannot be influenced by her?

10. Who is Aphrodite attracted to and what is her plan?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the entire saga of Demeter and her search for Persephone. Include an analysis of how Zeus becomes involved, the story of Demeter, King Celeus, and Metanira, the reunion between Demeter and Persephone, and how it leads to the changing of the seasons. Also, describe how Greek mythology was designed to explain the origins for things and which hymns illustrate that intent the most.

Essay Topic 2

Nature is a major element that is explored in Greek mythology.

1) Explain The Hymn to the Earth and the ways that Earth's blessings are manifested, using the hymn to provide examples of the Earth's characteristics and qualities, as well as what the poet gives her credit for and why.

2) Analyze the metaphors that are used in The Hymn to the Sun and The Hymn to the Moon along with the different powers that both the sun and moon possess.

3) Explain the origin of Castor and Pollux and what their existence means to the Greeks and nature.

Essay Topic 3

The Hymn to Ares introduces a thought provoking theory about war and peace.

1) Describe how The Hymn to Ares is different in style from the other hymns in the collection and the possible reasons why the poet chose to write it in this style.

2) Explain what Ares is known for and why the poet thinks Ares can provide help in gaining courage.

3) Analyze the request made by the poet at the end of The Hymn to Ares and the idea of how fighting wars might lead to peace.

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